I need advise on buying a 1972 VW Super Beetle?

Question

I am considering buying a 1972 VW Super Beetle.

The specs are:

Has been in storage for past few years, runs great.

This year replaced brake lines, tie rod ends, pedal cluster, rebuilt carb, re-did floor.

EMPI Wheels and 4 new tires. New cap and wires.

1200cc Motor on Super Beetle chasis and shocks.

5 Speed standard tranny with aftermarket heating system for fall driving.

There are 41,000 miles on it.

It needs a bit of body work around rear fenders, but that is not a huge concern to me right now.

I am a total newbee when it comes to this stuff. I am not sure what would be a good price, nor do I know what I should be concerned about or looking for.

The owner is about 2 hours drive away so I want to make sure I ask the right questions before I make the trip to test drive the car.

Any help would be appreciated!

Answer 1

Interesting! How ARE the heater channels? Look on the outboard sides, inboard of the running boards and under the car. Don't neglect to look inside the car, under the carpets. Yeah, the flaps are spring loaded- but to closed position, not open. More often than not, the heater boxes will rust out or you'll get an exhaust leak mixing with you heater boxes' warm air output- definitely unsafe! Can you describe the aftermarket heating system? Is it just a booster fan?

Also, I'm not sure where you're writing from- but 72's had 1600 cc engines.

A bit of body work? Rust? Dents? I'd bet on rust... which requires cutting out the rusted metal and replacing it with new. Contrary to other replies here, you can get just about any part for these cars; Just Google and see.

Also of concern is the McPhereson Strut front end on Super Beettles. Make sure you take her out on the road at highway speeds to test for the "Super shimmies." Meaning that the front wheels will wobble alarmingly at highway cruising speeds. ANY Beetle in an front car accident's a candidate for parts unless you know what you're doing- though I've not seen many Super Beetle dune buggies.

If you'll be doing the work yourself or have a handy friend, this would be a cool car to get. All the repair info's available online and there's a huge community of VW enthusiasts always willing to help get your car on the road.

If you get the car, there are a few upgrades I always recommend- A good set of spark plug wires, Bosch distributor cap & rotor (forget all those pretty clear or colored ones- most suck!) a PerLux ignitor to get rid of your points and a good-quality quiet extractor system. You may be tempted to go with a fiberglass muffler but beware- they get louder with age. You may want to opt for the type of muffler that tucks up inside the wheel-well so you don't drag it on the curbs.

GOOD LUCK!!

Answer 2

          after market heating

   VW bug heating go's thought frame of car , engine is air cooled - and hot go,s into frame and vents into car - if cable to vents break heater stay on . because vent doors are spring loaded

    My best guess is frame rusted or accident - uin-body frame.

    Dont buy - and geting parts good luck with that.

    That was my frist car - great in the snow - but got tap in right front wheel and could not be fixed .

Answer 3

There is a problem with your specs. First- the 1200cc (D) engine was in production from Aug '60 to July '65. I have never heard of a 5 speed VW classic beetle trans.(nobody counts reverse) This guy wants you to believe the car ran 41K miles in 35 years. Speedo winding is real easy on a vw. For the mileage- this car should be mint! I would go to Samba web site and look at all the pic and prices. There is more education in what others have for sale than any book. If it dose have a 1200 cc motor you should pass. They were trying to build a super gas mileage car and it didn't work-that would explain the funny heater. Get a real VW. Not some rocket scientist experiment.

Answer 4

parts are easy to find most parts they reproduce and what they dont you can find used very easily    but ask about rust or accident

Answer 5

It's best to stay away from super bettles. i was told if you are in an accident no way to fix it other than turn it to a dune bug